Sandalwood and cedar perfumes

Ember Enigma is an independent UK fragrance guide. We do the legwork on the top ranked fragrances, checking notes and prices, so you don't have to.

Clean wood that suits almost everyone.

Sandalwood smells creamy, soft and slightly milky. Cedar is drier and sharper, like a pencil shaving or a cedar wardrobe. Together they make the backbone of many unisex fragrances.

Woody scents are one of the safest fragrance gifts, because they rarely feel too sweet or too floral. They wear well to work and still feel special in the evening.

Bottles on Ember Enigma: Allegra Magnifying Sandalwood by Bvlgari; The Last Chapter by & Other Stories; Oud Eau de Parfum by Acqua di Parma; Marrakech Intense by Aesop; Danaë by Argos; Dirty Rice by BORNTOSTANDOUT; Desert Dawn by Byredo; Mojave Ghost by Byredo; Dama Bianca by Casamorati; Mefisto by Casamorati; Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum by Chanel; Cedrus by Chloé; Harlem Nights by Chris Collins; Bois Talisman by Christian Dior; Gris Dior by Christian Dior; 1872 Feminine by Clive Christian; Town & Country by Clive Christian; Wonderwood by Comme des Garçons; Love in White for Summer by Creed; Royal Oud by Creed; Tam Dao by Diptyque; DKNY 24/7 by DKNY; Radio Bombay by DS & Durga; Persephone's Patchouli by Electimuss; Beautiful Magnolia by Estée Lauder; Iris Porcelana by Ex Nihilo; Outcast Blue Extrait de Parfum by Ex Nihilo; No. 89 by Floris; Vetiver Extraordinaire by Frederic Malle; Bohemian Lime by Goldfield & Banks; Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss; Rehab by Initio Parfums Privés; L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Wood & Wood by Issey Miyake; Voulez-vous coucher avec Moi by Kilian; Pour Femme by Lacoste; Santal 33 by Le Labo; 001 Woman by Loewe; LV Lovers by Louis Vuitton; Under the Stars by Maison Margiela; Marfa by Memo Paris.

Is sandalwood fragrance unisex? Mostly. Sandalwood and cedar appear in fragrances sold for men, women and everyone, which is why they make a safe gift when you are unsure.

What does sandalwood smell like? Soft, creamy and warm, a little like milky wood. Cedar is drier and crisper.